Due to essential maintenance the WEST Footpath/Cycleway is CLOSED except during weekends, please use the EAST Footpath/Cycleway.
Open to all permitted vehicles.
Access Restrictions
Half a Day
At the Forth BridgesExplore at Leisure
If you've got half a day to explore, we recommend a leisurely stroll around historic South Queensferry on the Edinburgh side of the bridges.
- Wander down the colourful High Street. Look out for Black Castle, one of Queensferry's oldest buildings which was associated with the witch hunts of the 16th century.
- As you stroll around, look out for the trail signs which will give you lots of interesting information and folklore. If you have little ones with you, get them to find the hidden motifs in the signage ironwork.
- Grab a coffee and cake at one of the lovely artisan bakeries or treat yourself to ice cream from one of the fabulous ice cream parlours.
- Browse the independent shops; find antiques and curios in Seakist, beautiful clothes in Joyce Paton, locally made lampshades and gifts in Harbour Lane and authentic Scottish tartan from Caledonia Scotia Kiltmakers.
- Head to Port Edgar Marina to wander around the harbour and do a bit of luxury shopping at Beacon Stores which opens 7 days a week. Enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the bridges at Scotts, or, if the weather's nice, dine alfresco at Outboard.
- Retrace your steps back to Hawes Pier, leaving time to pop in for a pint in Hawes Inn. It was here that Robert Louis Stevenson is said to have been staying when he came up with the idea of ‘Kidnapped’ and started writing the novel. Indeed the inn features in the story as the place where the kidnapping of the hero, David Balfour, was arranged.
Epic Train Ride
Experience an epic journey across the bridge. You'll get a close up view of the intricacies of the bridge plus spectacular vistas across the Firth of Forth.
Trains run approximately every half hour from Dalmeny Station in South Queensferry and the crossing takes around 5 minutes. Alight at North Queensferry to enjoy the beautifully restored Victorian Railway Station and Heritage Centre. Stand at the end of the platform to get great photos of trains coming off the bridge.
To return, simply catch the train back over the bridge or take the opportunity to walk across the Forth Road Bridge (1.5 miles) for spectacular views over the Firth of Forth and the surrounding countryside.
This experience can be completed within half a day or incorporated into the Forth Bridges Trail for a full day visit.
Boat Trips
Forth Boat Tours and The Maid of the Forth operate from Hawes Pier or Port Edgar and offer a variety of cruises to suit all tastes.
Trips include sightseeing cruises, wildlife watching, and evening cruises with music. Both operators also offer trips to the beautiful Inchcolm Island with its well preserved monastic buildings.
